League is priority

Rufus Brevett says the Fulham players have completely forgotten about the FA Cup semi-final as their battle against relegation begins to hot up.

Under normal circumstances the squad would be enjoying their cup success, and looking forward to next weekend's semi-final against London rivals Chelsea.

Jean Tigana's men have taken only one point from a possible 24 available, in a miserable run which has seen them plummet down the table and into the relegation zone.

The Cottagers face a tough trip to Champions League chasing Newcastle United on Monday, and after eight games without a win it is Premiership survival which has now taken over as the priority at Craven Cottage. And Brevett said: "To be honest the squad has almost forgotten about the FA Cup semi-final.

"It's a shame we're not enjoying the moment as much as we should be. But the league is just too important. It has to come first."

Meanwhile, Edwin van der Sar says Fulham will be spending an anxious weekend watching the results of other clubs.

Jean Tigana's men travel to high-flying Newcastle on Monday, leaving the players with an agonising Saturday afternoon hoping that their relegation rivals do not pick up valuable points.

Van der Sar said: "We first started to watch what the other clubs were doing a few days ago. Until now we've just worried about ourselves, but now it's difficult not to look at others.

"We have to win the two home games that we have left, but it's no good waiting until then. We must get a result at Newcastle first."